Matthew Holmes has announced his new film, The Guns of Muschu

L-R: Ben Hall, Matt Day, Callan McAuliffe, Arthur Angel, Jordan Fraser-Trumble and Gerald Lepkowski.

The Legend of Ben Hall and The Cost filmmaker, Matthew Holmes, has announced his new film, The Guns of Muschu.

Based on the remarkable true story and book The Guns of Muschu by Don Dennis, the screenplay by Tom Broadhurst and Jack Brislee (Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan) brings to life a pivotal chapter of Australian war history with gritty authenticity.

Under the visionary direction of Matthew Holmes (The Legend of Ben Hall, The Cost), The Guns of Muschu promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience for global audiences that will recount one of Australia’s most incredible tales of survival during World War Two.

Transporting audiences deep into the jungles of Papua New Guinea, the film will chronicle the true story of Operation Copper and its lone survivor, Mick Dennis. Amidst impossible odds and unimaginable brutality, Dennis’ harrowing journey serves as a testament to the enduring resilience of the Anzac spirit.

The real Mick Dennis (centre).

The production has already assembled a stellar cast of Australian talent led by Ben Hall (Warnie, Devil’s Playground, Better Man) as Mick Dennis along with acclaimed Australian actors Matt Day (Sweet Country), Callan McAuliffe (The Walking Dead), Jordan Fraser-Trumble (The Legend of Ben Hall), Gerald Lepkowski (The Death of Stalin), Maximillian Johnson (High Ground), Clayton Watson (The Matrix Reloaded), Damon Hunter (The Cost) and Arthur Angel (Red Dog).

Along with Broadhurst’s Rally Point Media, RLC Motion Picture Entertainment and Two Tone Pictures are back in collaboration after their 2017 success with The Legend of Ben Hall and their multi-award-winning thriller The Cost last year.

Filming is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025 in Far North Queensland, in time for an Australian theatrical distributor to reach the nation’s cinema screens for Anzac Day in 2026.

“The Guns of Muschu will pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery of the Anzacs,” says director Matthew Holmes. “The story of Mick Dennis and the men of Operation Copper is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Australian soldiers who served in the Pacific Theater during World War Two. It also makes for astonishing cinema that will stun audiences worldwide.”

Keep an eye on cinemaaustralia.com.au for updates.